Breaking down the possible Canadian matchups
Now, as we move on to Pot 2, things get nervy for Canada. Every team is seeded higher, but this is not a pot of equals.
The worst possible draw for Canada would be Croatia, semi-finalists in Qatar in 2022 and the victors in a 4-1 thumping of Canada in the group stage. Morocco, another semifinalist in 2022, and Colombia, the 13th-ranked team in the world, would also be less than ideal.
Australia would be a fantastic pick for Canada. Although the Australians beat Canada 1-0 in a scrappy October friendly in Montreal, each side would like its chances against the other. Australia is ranked 26th, one place above Canada.
Iran presents challenges both on and off the pitch. The 20th-ranked side would be a tough opponent; the U.S. travel ban on Iranian citizens and its effect on the World Cup’s usual fan migrations would also add to the complexity of a Canada-Iran matchup.